2020-01-18 Sat

Today on this day in the year 474, Seven-year-old Leo II succeeds his maternal grandfather Leo I as Byzantine emperor.

Leo II was born in 467 to Zeno, an Isaurian general under Leo I, and Ariadne, the daughter of the emperor Leo I. Leo II was made co-emperor alongside his grandfather Leo I on 18 November 473, and became sole emperor on 18 January 474 after Leo I died of dysentery.

The above shown gold Solidus was issued from Constantinople. It depicts the diademed, helmeted and cuirassed facing bust (of Zeno?), heads slightly right, holding spear over right shoulder and on left arm shield decorated with horseman motif. The reverse of a coin engraved Leo II and Zeno enthroned facing, each nimble, diademed and wearing imperial mantle, each holding Mappa, cross above, CONOB in exergue.

His father Zeno was made co-emperor by the Byzantine Senate on 9 February and they co-ruled for a short time before Leo II died on 10 November 474.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions